Brazil to host Chile and Paraguay in 2016 South American Championship

Brazil is to host Chile and Paraguay in the 2016 South American Championship, it was confirmed today by the Portal do Rugby. The yet to be determined 2016 version of the competition will be a Four Nations format with Americas Rugby Championship competitors Brazil, Chile and Uruguay being joined by Paraguay.

While the full tournament schedule remains unclear for now Brazi’s home internationals have been determined. On April 23 Brazil will host Chile and Paraguay will then visit on May 7. Venues and kick-off times are yet to be determined.

Paraguay finished the 2015 tournament in third place and the 2014 version in second. On both occasions Brazil finished lower, thereby explaining Paraguay’s ongoing superior ranking to Brazil. Los Yakarés are eager to obtain increased international competition and are eyeing an opportunity at joining the Americas Rugby Championship when possible.

Further encouraging performances from Paraguay in this year’s South American A Championship will aid their cause. Former Pumas captain and off-the-field maestro, Agustín Pichot is also very interested in including Paraguay in future programming. Pichot has previously stated his desire to establish a second division for the Americas Rugby Championship, in which Paraguay would be involved.